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Two-thirds of the world's population are now connected by mobile devices

This milestone of 5 billion unique mobile subscribers globally was achieved in Q2 2017. By 2020, almost 75% of the global population will be connected by mobile

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Two-thirds of the world’s population are connected by mobile devices,accordingto data from GSMA.

This milestone of 5 billion unique mobile subscribers globally was achieved in Q2 2017. By 2020, almost 75% of the global population will be connected by mobile.

Here are the key takeaways from the report:

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  • Smartphones will continue to drive new mobile subscriptions.
  • Developing markets will account for the largest share of new mobile subscription growth over the forecast period.
  • But mobile growth is slowing.

Affordability, content relevance, and digital literacy are likely bigger inhibitors to mobile internet adoption than a lack of network infrastructure is. Two-thirds of the 3.7 billion consumers who aren’t connected to the internet are within range of 3G or 4G networks. This suggests that device cost, a lack of relevant apps and content, and not knowing how to use the device are the primary barriers to mobile adoption.

However, tech companies are targeting emerging markets to ensure that mobile adoption and internet usage continue to grow. For instance, local smartphone markers in China, such as Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, Micromax in India, and AfriOne in Nigeria are building very affordable smartphones for consumers in their respective markets and abroad. And Google and Apple are building app developer centers in emerging markets such as Bangalore in India, which could increase the volume of localized apps.

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